AFSCME Releases “Digging Out” Video

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) released a new web video today, called “Digging Out.” Coming on the heels of historic snowstorms in the Mid-Atlantic, the video highlights how public employees are digging us out of the snow – and out of the economic storm the country has been weathering.

“America is digging out from some historic storms,” the video states over footage of snow clearing, alternating with symbols of the economic downturn. “Public employees are clearing the way – doing their job so that you can do yours. Tell Congress to keep investing in our communities, so we can get through the storm.”

The video calls attention to the substantial economic benefits of investing in state and local services on the eve of a United States Senate debate about whether to include investment in public services in new jobs legislation. Without that investment, which includes an extension of the Federal Medicaid Assistance Program as called for in President Obama’s budget, more than three million Americans in both the public and private sectors could lose their jobs by 2012.

Investing in state and local services is one of the most efficient and effective ways for the federal government to spur economic development, create jobs, and preserve critical services like education and public safety. In fact, according to prominent economist and former McCain advisor Mark Zandi, every dollar invested in public services yields $1.41 in economic activity.

“At our times of greatest need, whether in clearing the aftermath of a snow storm or tackling the much larger challenges of an economic storm, it is the work of dedicated public employees that pull us through,” said AFSCME President Gerald McEntee.

“We all want to get our economy back on track, get Americans back to work, and dig ourselves out of these hard times. Investing in our communities creates jobs and jumpstarts economic growth. It needs to be a critical piece of any true jobs plan, and we’re making sure our leaders in the Senate understand that.”

AFSCME's 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

AFSCME is the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. Our 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.